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Our Review

What are the highlights at the Fernbank Museum?This massive emporium of natural novelties is a staple for Atlanta families. Exhibits offer a full exploration of science, nature, human culture, and prehistory (expect to take in real fossils, nature, gems, and artifacts). There's also an IMAX theatre that screens 3D movies as well as a 65-acre old-growth forest that provides fresh air to restless museum-goers.

Say we're first-timers. What are the staples of the collection?Permanent exhibits include the dinosaur-centric Giants of the Mesozoic, a look at Georgia's geography through time, an introspection at culture and the way different peoples live, and more. Broad topics allow a range of interests and ages to engage with exhibits while the seasonal and visiting installations offer more of a specific focus.

And for repeat customers—are the special exhibits notable?A summer 2018 exhibit on food looks at the way humans over time have prepared and consumed food, including a display of eating utensils from around the world plus interactive facets like a recreated 16th-century Aztec marketplace.

What did you make of the crowd?Most museum-goers are families or groups of school kids, though adults have also been known to roam the bronze-dinosaur-adorned halls.

On the practical tip, how were facilities?You'll find plenty of places to rest and take a break throughout the museum.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?Kids will have fun grabbing semi-educational souvenirs from the gift shop, but parents who don't want to spend the cash on a stuffed dino can skip it.

What are the food options?The café is nothing special, but has ample kid-friendly options as well as fresh sandwiches, salads, and wraps.

If we're just dropping in, what are the essentials?Those who are tight on time should target the Georgia-centric exhibits to understand what makes this museum stand out from the rest of America's natural history museums.